13HAMPTON, Va. - Norfolk State junior first baseman
Maya Johnson's best performance of her collegiate career vaults the Norfolk State softball team to an 13-4 win over the Hampton University Pirates on Tuesday in Hampton, Va.
The Spartans (9-12, 2-1 MEAC) break their three-game losing streak to the Pirates dating back to 2023 in the largest margin of victory over the Pirates since the 9-0 win on Mar. 24, 2011.
Norfolk State posted season-high in runs scored (13) and most RBIs scored (8), and second most in hits (8). They also drew the second most walks this season (6).
Johnson tallied a career-high five RBIs on two doubles for the Spartans; her first scored two runs in the top of the fifth and her other double was a three-run double to left field in the top of the seventh.
Norfolk State took an early lead behind a four-run top of the first. Aniyah Michalak, the Spartans' leader in stolen bases, showcased poise, drawing a walk, stealing second and advancing to third on a wild pitch.
With two runners on for the Spartans, Michalak was able to steal home for the first run of the game in the top of the first inning, 1-0.
In back-to-back at-bats, Norfolk State was hit by pitch, loading the bases. Lauren Sheehan scored an RBI on a drawn walk with the bases loaded, to give the Spartans a 2-0 lead.
Next up for the Spartans in the top of the first was Maya Johnson, she struck out swinging but reached on a throwing error by the Pirates' catcher, allowing two runs to score, as she advanced to second. The Spartans took a 4-0 lead after one inning of play.
In the top of the second, Michalak hit a single to reach to put a runner on for the Spartans. Edmonds reached first on an erred throw by the Pirates, which allowed Michalak to score. Norfolk State led 5-0 through two innings.
Michalak also curated one her best collegiate performances, finishing with three stolen bases, a double, and three runs. Michalak's three stolen bases are the most in her career.
Through four innings, the Pirates chipped at the Spartans' lead, to give Norfolk State only a one-run lead going into the fifth inning, 5-4.
Eight runs combined in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings exploded the Spartans lead to give them the highest runs scored this season.
In the fifth, both Bristyl Riddick and Amaya McPherson each hit a single to put runners on first and second for the Spartans. Lauren Sheehan hit a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners into scoring position with only one out.
Johnson hit a double that hit the left fence wall, scoring Riddick and McPherson, giving the Spartans a 7-4 lead in the top of the fifth.
Michalak's incredible base-running secured her a score in the top of the sixth. She reached on a fielding error by the left fielder, advancing to second as well.
On a signal from Norfolk State head coach Angie Nicholson, Michalak stole third and kept going all the way home on a fielding error by the Pirates' shortstop. Michalak's run gave the Spartans a 8-4 lead in the top of the sixth.
The Spartans had their best inning of the game in the top of the seventh: three hits turned five runs to give Norfolk State a 13-4 win.
Plate discipline was pivotal in the top of the seventh as the Spartans drew three consecutive walks to load the bases. Johnson doubled to left field to clear the bases for the Spartans, giving them the 11-4 lead.
Kachelle Refour, the Spartans' next batter, singled and advanced to second, as Johnson was thrown out at home in an attempt to score.
Refour didn't stay at second for long, as she was brought in on a triple by Kailey Bryant. Michalak finished it off for the Spartans with a ground out sacrifice to the pitcher for the 13th run of the game.
The Spartans secured a 13-4 win over the Pirates for their largest margin of victory this season.
Freshman Amaya McPherson received the win after tying her career high in strikeouts (5) against 35 batters faced. She pitched five scoreless innings, including three consecutive through the fifth and seventh innings.
McPherson pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, none earned, five strikeouts, two walks, two force outs, and nine ground outs.
Michalak totaled a career-high three stolen bases, drew two walks, obtained one hit, and reached in every single one of her at-bats for the Spartans. Michalak currently leads the team in stolen bases with 13 on the season.
Norfolk State's next contest takes them to Cary, N.C., where they will face the North Carolina Central Eagles in a weekend series. On Saturday, Mar. 22, a doubleheader will be played with game one beginning at 1 p.m.
On Sunday, Mar. 23, one game will be played, starting at 1 p.m. against the Eagles.
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